In most cases, vehicles under 3.5 tonnes are allowed to tow up to eighty percent of their own weight. If you are driving a vehicle or riding a motorcycle inFrance please take note of the latest regulations: Important: Because French motorways are privately managed, youre not allowed to request your own assistance company to attend to you if youbreak down. All you need is to notify your insurer. Read through a list of rules for trailers that are being hauled. If youre driving a small van or a folding camper, you can tow it in France without any problems. Towing a car over eight hundred kilograms is illegal. What a lot of information - we are bringing a trailer over for the first time in mid August, which will be towed behind our UK registered van. Take a look at more useful information before travelling abroad in your caravan or motorhome. Although most countries do not have a specific law banning A-frames, they do have a law which prohibits a motor vehicle towing another motor vehicle. You will need to display a UK sticker on the rear of your car. Insurance documents. Your car must be lighter than the trailer to be safe. If you exceed it, youll have to pay a fine of more than 100 euros. The main offences this can be applied to are: Any of the abovecases can result in thevehicle becomingthe property of the French government. Charges for assistance on a motorway are fixed by the government and are reviewed and revised each year. Youll also save time and the 15 booking fee* if you book online. Towing Trailers with a Load Before towing a trailer, please ensure that all safety measures and towing regulations have been met. If the offence committed is not likely to entail the suspension of the driving licence or a prison sentence, the motorist can pay a reduced fine within the next threedays. The law relates to the trailer - not to the towing vehicle or its nationality. You must: You will be towed to a safe designated area where, in the case of those with RAC European Breakdown Cover, you can then be met by your chosen breakdown provider. This is so you dont dazzle oncoming traffic when driving on the right side of the road at night. All trailers must be equipped with lights: a white pair at the front, an orange pair on the sides, and a red pair at the rear. The sticker will tell you how much weight your car can carry, and you should follow it strictly. There are now many automatic petrol pumps operated by credit or debit cards. If you dont have the proper paperwork, you can hire a professional tow in France. Other states have their own determinations. either the trailer or caravan weighs more than 500 kg when laden. After the age of 70, you will have to update your photo once only. Bike racks can only rest on the towbar if the maximum weight on the towbar is not exceeded. The following information covers the key requirements relating to the towing of trailers. In the UK, the regulations depend on your driving license. There is no legal requirement to carry a spare wheel as most cars no longer have them. If youre towing a trailer in France, you need to be aware of the regulations. [Competitions] Another regulation that can vary wildly by state is the maximum allowable weight for what you're towing -- be it a car or a trailer. Make sure your breathalyser is NF approved. Enforcement of chapter. as you mentioned 500kg then buy it and put matching number plate to towing vehicle on it - no problems, as in UK. Touring caravan insurance quote. 01422 396 769 . In all built-up areas, use of the horn is prohibited except in cases of immediate danger. If your vehicle is too heavy, youll be penalized with a class four fine. 17 See note 1 BE Cars with trailers Combinations of a car in Eurolites are suitable for clear lens, projector and xenon headlights. You can also use a Mastercard or Visa card. Note that if you are now resident in France you should re-register the car here. Visit https://www.viamichelin.com to calculate the cost of your journey. *PTAC manufacturers certificated gross weight of trailer plus load or gross weight of vehicle including load, driver and any passengers *PTRA maximum manufacturers certificated train weight of the vehicle including load and passengers Example if the PTRA of your vehicle is 3000 Kg and the PTAC is 2010Kg you are permitted to tow a total weight of 990 Kg (3000 - 2100 = 990) This total weight is that of your trailer plus any load. Missouri Towing speed limit: 65 mph Did you know? Trailer licence From late 2021, all drivers will be allowed to tow trailers with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg without the need to take a car and trailer driving test. The horn may be used only in cases of absolute necessity. For instance, youll have to pay a class four fine for towing a trailer with more than 20 percent of its total weight. But any trailer attached to a French car with gross weight of over 500 kg has to . Drivers approaching a roundabout indicated by a triangular sign with a red border and three arrows forming a circle in the centre must give way to traffic already on the roundabout. While this may not seem like a big deal in the UK, its still important to be aware of the laws and regulations in the country. No, not unless there is a yellow arrow pointing to the right. Triple towing is allowed. If youre on a main road outside a built-up area, the speed limit is now 80km/h after the law changed in 2018, and for built-up areas its 50km/h. There are spaces reserved for the disabled. I have seen many confusing posts on French sites saying that it isn't legal over here - and others saying that it is as the car is deemed to be the trailer! You should make sure that your weight is lower than the maximum weight for your car. The gendarmes will never know you have had one, and your ordinary paper licence is perfectly valid up to its expiry date so your licence has not expired. Its important to know the limit to avoid any trouble. It could save you a heap of money and hassle if you are travelling on the autoroute and are unlucky enough to have a puncture. For units over 3. Its just a reminder that youre still in that speed zone and should already be at the limit. Yes, read our overseas storage page for more information and listings of storage facilities in France and Spain. You can either have two small boards or one large board but they must be placed at the back of the outfit between 50cm and 150cm off the ground. In Belgium, France, Germany, Norway and Switzerland they are legal but there are strict conditions for their use. It's holiday time, so master the small print before you hit the road! This means that vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters UK when driven in France. 1. Its not informing you that its changing to a new limit. 49 CFR Parts 523, 531, 533, 534, 536 and 537. *Based on UK resident buying a single trip policy to cover 10 days car rental in Europe. If you are towing a small trailer, you need to be aware of the regulations. Moreover, your car and trailer should be insured with a high-quality insurance policy. Try the Trailers.com free look-up to see what the laws are in your state for trailers. Otherwise, you might risk getting penalised for speeding. This can be quite restrictive and perversely means that a strongly built, but heavier trailer has less carrying capacity than a lighter one in the same catagory. Please see our privacy policy for more details. Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in France. "Photocard driving licences are only valid for up to 10 years. The standard class B driving license will cover you unless the total laden weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer or caravan exceeds 3.5 tonnes. Typically, the tow ball load is around 10% of the vehicle's maximum towing capacity, but it varies between manufacturer so best to check your . In France, the weight limit is 990kg. Visitors who purchase an ETIAS will be able to enter the 26 member states of the Schengen Zone as well as Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania. Breakdown recovery vehicles that are within 100km of their base. The following vehicles are the only vehicles that are exempt from the LCV tachograph rules: Vehicles which cannot exceed 40km/h. I'd guess that a non-French towbar would not conform to French regs. Just a guess. To view the stickers and more information, please visit https://www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr. There are many regulations in the country regarding towing. The 2023 AngloINFO Worldwide Expat Survey - Now Open! Penalties can include fines of up to 1,500 and confiscation of the device and vehicle. In case of a collision, your insurance will be void and your car will be impounded or towed. Can I drive in France with a paper UK licence, speed limit on many A and B roads in France has been reduced, Find out when you need a French clean air sticker and how to buy one, speed limit on many A and B roads in France have been reduced, lesser-known aspects of driving in France, Rear-facing child seat placed either at front passenger seat (airbag switched off) or back seat. A standard class B driving licence is sufficient to tow a small car or trailer, and it is the recommended requirement for anyone over 3.5 tonnes. Cars with caravans are not allowed to exceed a combined 18.75 metres in length, and 2.55 metres in width. French authorities are strict about this and you could face fines of over 100 euros or points on your licence if you are caught exceeding the limit. You may want to consider car hire excess insurancefrom the equivalent of 2.99* a day it could be cheaper than waiting to add it when you collect your car. As a UK resident, albeit a regular visitor to our house in France, the car is properly registered and insured in the UK. (Failure to do so is a criminal offence. If your car and trailer weigh over three thousand kilograms, then you can tow a 2,000-kilogram trailer. Trailers over 750 kg must have a parking brake and its own braking system. This is aimed at tracking down people who commit traffic offences in cars that are registered in an EU member state different to where the offence was committed. The maximum gross weight you can tow in France is determined by the manufacturer of the trailer. Get the latest news, advice, reviews and offers to help keep your motoring costs down. This permits you to tow a trailer with a maximum weight of 750kg. This is because French Law stipulates that they are required to drive at the lower . The DVLA will automatically update your driving licence record so there is no need to take any further action. If you plan to tow a trailer in France, you need to know your rights. All vehicles driving in France that are towing a caravan or trailer, where the vehicle has a GTM over 3.5 tonnes ( *see below) MUST display 80 and 90 'speed limit' stickers. The driver has a responsibility to ensure that all passengers under the age of 18 are suitably restrained in the car. The police have the power to carry out random breath tests. Costs also depend on the type of vehicle youre driving, while those towing caravans also pay more. The first rule is to never drive your car in the middle of the road without a towing sticker. If you have a home in the UK you are OK. Do it online or get the printed form. The maximum speedfora motorhome, minibus or any other vehicle used for the transport of people only also depends on their total weight: The standard fine for breaking the speed limit in France is 135, with points added to your licence depending on how much the limit is exceeded by. Towing a car or a trailer in France requires a special license. GO to https://www.remorquage-mulhouse.fr for more info. "Priorit droite" - Priority to the right. Your vehicle's carte grise will specify a PTAC, the maximum total weight of your car when laden. [Shop!] *A 15 booking fee applies to European holidays (crossings, campsites and, Taking your pet to Europe and Northern Ireland after Brexit, Passports, visas and travel documents after Brexit, Sites in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, have plain yellow in the centre with a red outline. Fines of 80-100 Euros can be incurred if you fail to follow this advice before driving to France!. If youre unsure, it is best to seek help from a qualified driver. These regulations apply to trailers being towed with a French registered vehicle regardless of what nationality of licence is held by the driver. The tow ball load is the trailer weight which applies vertically to the rear of your vehicle. And just to clear up. Overweight trailers can be dangerous and can result in a class 4 fine of EUR130. Of 24.40 by doctors specified by the prfecture who will usuelle provide a list on request Other notes To obtain a licence E/B it is neccesary to take a trailer test However holders of UK licences who change to a French licence will have this class transferred if it is on their UK licence The maximum permissible length of a trailer and its load plus towing attachment is 18metres with a trailer length of 12 metres not including the drawback There are exceptions for fairground trailers subject to prfectoral permission. Vehicles which are being road tested for any maintenance or repair work. There are a number of countries that have introduced low emission zones in towns and cities, including; Germany; Italy; Denmark; Czech Republic; France; and Portugal. I am sure the dealer selling it will tell you if you are buying in this category but just ask them to make sure. in USA: as high as practicable. Towing laws include maximum weights, braking system requirements, tail lights, safety chains, reflectors, brake lights, and more. The maximum speed for a car and trailer is determined by the total weight of the car and the trailer combined. These regulations are in force since 1 January 2021. A broken yellow line indicates that parking is prohibited. On the rear - center, facing rearward - horizontally spaced 150 mm (6 in.) Every country has its own traffic and driving regulations, its always best to know these as best you can before you set off. If the towing company tows from private property, it must have an agreement with the owner of the property as well as filing with the DPS. New rules about towing a trailer or caravan with a car, originally expected to take effect from November 15, have finally come into force. There is no official distribution point for the stickers at present, but these can be purchased online at most big retailers (Amazon, ebay etc.). Allow more time and space for everything, particularly taking corners and braking. From September 2021, the GB sticker was replaced with a UK one and this . There is also a growing network of electric charging points. Driving licence covering the motorcycle you're riding**. Towing Regulations in Colorado and Front Range Communities HindmanSanchez P.C. Regulations relating to driving licences and towing for holders of a French driving licence. Although it is not a legal requirement anymore we still advise you carry one. By using it as a trailer (with 2 or 4 wheels on the ground), you are outside its "construction and use" rules. Need insurance for your road trip? Debit cards Maestro and Electron are not accepted, however. Various conditions are attached to these, as follows: Contravening these rules could cost you between 135 and 1,500 euros. Retrieve a quote. Note that vehicles featuring the letters GB together with the Council of Europe golden stars are no longer valid for driving abroad. Riders of mopeds or motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over. [Features / Advice] If the PTAC of the trailer is is greater than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle or the total PTAC of the trailer plus towing vehicle is more than 3500kilogrammes a licence class E/B is required. If you regularly use toll roads, its worth signing up to the Telepeage scheme which takes you through the fast lane without having to stop and pay. Your tow ball will have its own maximum load. March 21, 2021. The regulations regarding towing vehicles and trailers in France are different. Some machines take debit/credit cards stationnement la carte. CBD Oil: Is It Functional for Mental Problems? If the weight of a caravan exceeds that of the towing vehicle, special speed limits apply: Its illegal to tow another motor vehicle except in the case of a breakdown or an accident and if the distance to be travelled is short. In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here, Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend, [Message Forums] Children up to the age of 10 must travel in an approved child seat or restraint, adapted to their age and size. The Lighting board and the marker board are both needed for Spain and Italy. Towing a trailer in France is legal in all but the smallest cities. This post was updated on April 26th, 2021. The police use saliva or urine tests to detect drivers under the influence of drugs. Unleaded petrol, diesel fuel and lubricating oil are readily available throughout France. CI-119C: Safety chains for new trailers under 4,500 kg ATM (Circular to Industry) 135 Kb. This subject seems to come up frequently so here is a help sheet.Towing Trailers the regulations in France. However, it appears that the French regulations limit the gross weight of a single axled trailer (without a carte gris) to 500kg. The answer's no - if you get stopped and weighed, it'll be the weight on the plate that counts. In order to stay on the right side of the law, the following documents should always be carried: Hiring a car? It is legal to own and use a dash cam without restriction in the following countries: Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. While your car and trailer combined weight cant be more than eight hundred kilograms, you should always check to make sure that your vehicle is not overweight. [Company Listings] The tow vehicle must be a proper match for the trailer. 2 Length may not be increase with a permit A flashing amber light indicates caution, slow down or proceed but give way to vehicles coming from the right. the towing vehicle The trailer is provided with a certificate d`immatriculation (carte grise) which carries the identification and load capacity of the trailer together with it own individual registration number. When one vehicle is towing another, the connecting device shall not exceed 15 feet. In nearly all European countries it is illegal to use car navigation systems which actively search for mobile speed cameras or interfere with police equipment (laser on radar detection). If driving with a Class 1 car licence, the gross combined mass (GCM) of the trailer and tow vehicle must not exceed six tonnes. Follow us or alternatively, you can register with our online communityClub Together. [Virtual Brochure] French Insurance In France (Generali group), Your friendly English speaking insurance agency in France since 1982, 2023 French Insurance In France (Generali group). If your trailer is over 20kg, it is a class 5 infringement with a EUR1500 fine. You should be careful not to exceed the limit and be aware of the maximum weight for the trailer. Did you know you can save money when you book your crossings, campsite or overseas site night vouchers together? Generally, trailers under 750 kg will not have brakes fitted. The police may hold his or her vehicle until payment is made. The weight limits for towing a trailer in France differ from the UK. Section 44-1-13, which regulates non-consensual towing from private property. The information provided here is for general guidance. People who tow trailers share the same safety concerns as other RV drivers. However, there is no amber light after the red light. Must comply with the model set by the decree of 5 January 2021. Planning On Buying Real Estate? France uses the metric system for all road signs, meaning speed limits and other road signs including distance are indicated using kilometres and metres. Adapt your headlights so that you 'do not dazzle oncoming traffic' by manually adjusting your lights or by using headlight converters. You will then be qualified to drive a rig that weighs up to but not in excess of 4.25 tonnes. Notes: Riding in a trailer is prohibited. The total weight of the vehicle and trailer together can't weigh more than 3,500kg. As of March 2017, it is illegal to drive a car in France using headphones or earphones. All rights reserved. You should also ensure the weight of your car and the weight of the trailer before towing. PREVENCIA l'assurance, 1 Ter Avenue de Gascogne, 32800 EAUZE, France Trailer registration - all trailers over 3,500kg and commercial trailers over 750kg must be registered before being towed through countries that have ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Otherwise, you risk getting into trouble with the police if you do not obey the rules. The regulations limiting weights and dimensions on public highways are established through the The Vehicle Weight and Dimension Regulations, 2010. The new laws have been set out to simplify the rules regarding towing. For plastic photocard licences, the expiry date is on the front. Your passport (needs 3 months left on date of return) 7. Maryland If your vehicle does not have the UK identifier within the number plate, you will require a UK sticker when driving in France. Roger has done all the work, may I just add this: moiti du poids vide du vhicule tracteur, II. They can be reduced if payment is made within 15 days (in the case of postal payments, threedays if paid in person) or increased if payment is not made within 45 days. Detailed information is contained in the Road Traffic Act and Regulations, 1961 and Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) 1. You can either pay by cash or credit card. The rules apply to you if you use: vans with a maximum authorised mass ( MAM) over 2,500kg (2.5 tonnes) and up to and including 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes) vans towing a trailer with a gross train. Ourtemporary car insuranceproduct is perfect if you're looking for flexible and comprehensive cover for between 1 hour and 30 days. This has recently been extended to include GPS-based systems capable of displaying fixed speed camera locations as points of interest. Important advice - Please read below about NEW LAWS in France for Caravans and Trailers. You may sometimes see the word rappel under a speed limit sign on French roads. It is not necessary to follow a reduced speed limit, but you must check the weight of the car and the trailer before setting off. ), A different plaque d'immatriculation (than that of the towing vehicle) will be required for the trailer or caravan.